Boozhoo, Tansi, Wachiya, Tawnshi, Bienvenue, Welcome:
My name is Pam Burton and I am very excited to be the Program Coordinator of the Native Child and Family Services Program. This is new position for me and I am look forward to learning, supporting and facilitating your journey here as a student at Confederation College.
Your program will be a personal and professional journey into the world of assisting Indigenous children and families to become strong, resilient, healthy and empowered.
My insight and words of advice regarding career opportunities in this field of study
This program will teach you about the child welfare system in Canada, as well as prevention, intervention and support processes for Indigenous children, families, communities and organizations. In addition, it recognizes that effective helpers in this field need to be skilled in maintaining their own self-care and self-awareness. With a focus on self-reflection, we provide ample opportunities for you to grown both personally and professionally during your time here.
The NFCS program recently received SSW equivalency, meaning Graduates are eligible to become Registered Social Service Workers with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Services Workers. The program will prepare you for positions in a variety of social services settings including child welfare agencies, women's shelters, urban Indigenous organizations and on-reserve services. In reality the possibilities are endless ...
How I Became a Teacher
I have been a certified teacher since 2003 and have taught and facilitated for over a decade. I became a teacher because I enjoy working with students, learning from them, supporting them and seeing them grow personally and professionally. I was fortunate to be hired in 2011 as P/T Faculty at Confederation College after successfully completing my Masters of Education degree from Lakehead University.
What I Like Most About Teaching?
Teaching at the College and more specifically teaching Indigenous programs to me is so important and what keeps me coming back is that I see positive change. I see change in non-Indigenous students who have told me my classes have made them a better person. I see change in my Indigenous students who become proud of their identity and some have become advocates for respecting the Indigenous Peoples in Canada. I look forward to my new role as F/T Faculty and NCFS Coordinator.
My Educational Background & Qualifications
I am an Alumnus from Lakehead University where I graduated from the Native Teacher Education Program, obtaining my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees, with a specialization in Native Studies. I then returned to complete my Masters of Education Degree with a focus in Indigenous Pedagogy.
My Relevant Experience in the Field
I am honoured to have the career that I have had over the past 12 years. Being an instructor at Confederation College, working with all levels of First Nations governance from Grassroots, to Tribal Councils, to Political Territorial Organizations, to the Chiefs of Ontario working on local, provincial and national projects, where I have built lasting friendships and partnerships.
I am also fortunate to have my own consulting company where my area of expertise is in facilitation, program management, curriculum design/development, cultural awareness/competency/safety training, and being an Indigenous Liaison.
My Hobbies & Other Interests
Most importantly is I am a wife and mother of two wonderful children. I enjoy spending my free-time with my family and friends, being at our camp, Zumba, and outdoor recreational activities.
Some Final Thoughts
'In order to know where we are going, we need to know where we have come from'. ~ unknown ~
Courses I teach:
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NC 126 - Intergenerational Examination of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
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NC 128 - Cultural Safety and Humility Helpers
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NC 240 - Field Placement Seminar I
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NC 230 - Contemporary Indigenous Society
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NC 305 - Building Resilience: Children and Youth
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NC 328 - Indigenous Interventions and Healing Practices